How to Repair a Moen 87480CSL

The Moen Torrance, model number 87480CSL, is a kitchen faucet with a classic stainless steel finish. It features single-lever operation and a swivel spout. All Moen faucets have cartridge valves, and the Torrance uses the 1255 Duralast cartridge, a standard Moen part. Leaking from the spout may necessitate servicing or replacing the cartridge, but you may be able to stop it by replacing the rubber rings in the water inlets inside the valve seat. To replace these rings or the cartridge itself, you have to disassemble the faucet and remove the cartridge.

1

Turn off the water before servicing the faucet. Open the cold and hot sides of the faucet to allow water to drain.

2

Pry the small cap off of the faucet handle with a flat-head screwdriver. the cap is located just under the lever, and it hide the set screw that holds the handle to the valve. Loosen the screw with a 1/8-inch hex wrench and pull off the handle.

3

Unscrew the handle dome by gripping it with a rubber glove and turning it counterclockwise to unscrew it. After removing the dome, lift the swivel spout off the valve assembly.

4

Unscrew the screw holding the handle adapter assembly to the valve stem with a Phillips screwdriver. Remove the assembly as a unit and set it aside. If you take it apart, note the order in which you remove the parts so you can reassemble it the same way.

5

Pull the retaining clip holding the cartridge in place with needle nose pliers. Pull the cartridge straight out with pliers. If it's stuck, try turning it back and forth with the pliers to loosen the grip of the O-rings on the housing, and then pull. If that doesn't work, you may need a cartridge puller, a specialty tool for removing stuck cartridges.

6

Service the cartridge by cutting off the O-rings with a utility knife and replacing them with new ones. If the volume of water from the faucet is too low, immerse the cartridge overnight in white vinegar to dissolve mineral deposits. You can also replace it with a new 1255 cartridge.

7

Pry the rubber seals out of the holes inside the valve seat with a flat-head screwdriver and replace them with new ones. You can buy all the seals you need as a kit from a Moen dealer.

8

Reassemble the faucet by sliding the cartridge into place and securing the retaining clip. Replace the handle adapter assembly, then screw on the dome and replace the handle.

Things You Will Need

Flat-head screwdriver

1/8-inch hex wrench

Rubber glove

Phillips screwdriver

Needle-nose pliers

Utility knife

O-rings

White vinegar

Tip

If the faucet is difficult to operate, Moen recommends replacing the cartridge.

Warning

Hot water sprays uncontrollably from the faucet if you remove the cartridge retaining clip without turning off the water. You could be scalded.

About the Author

Chris Deziel has a bachelor's degree in physics and a master's degree in humanities. Besides having an abiding interest in popular science, Deziel has been active in the building and home design trades since 1975. As a landscape builder, he helped establish two gardening companies.